Apr
8
to 10 Apr

Raranga - Whakaari Aotearoa Drama Conference 2026

RARANGA: Whakaari Aotearoa Drama New Zealand Conference 2026

Date: 8-10 April 2026

Venue: Rangi Ruru Girls' School

Our 2026 Conference will focus on:

Raranga: the first day of weaving - following the child in drama across sectors

Marutau - creating safe and inclusive spaces in the classroom

Whakaako - pedagogy - Drama in education across the sectors (ECE, primary, secondary).

Pūrākau - weaving Aotearoa storytelling and theatre in the classroom 

Auaha - changes in Drama Education and future possibilities

Harikoa -   finding joy and hope in the classroom - Drama as experiential, uplifting and therapeutic.


Conference Schedule

Wednesday 8th April

8.15am - 9.00am Registration 

9.00am - 5.00pm Mihi Whakatau, Welcome, and Conference begins

5.00pm - 6.00pm Wine, Cheese and Chats followed by AGM

Thursday 9th April

9.00am - 5.00pm Conference Sessions

5.30pm - 8.00pm Conference Dinner and Awards at the Court Theatre followed by a tour of the venue. 

Friday 10th April

9.00am - 12.30pm* Conference Sessions

*Please note that the Conference concludes on Friday 10th April at 12.30 and lunch is not provided on this day.

View Event →

Accommodation Options and Information.

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  There are also several other hotel/motel chains that serve these areas.

**Some of these providers have complimentary shuttles to and from the airport so be sure to double check this so you don’t double up if you don’t need to.

If you need additional information about Christchurch or the area (walking distance to facilities etc) please feel free to contact our Conference Convenor, Courtenay, via email courtenay.washington@drama.org.nz with any questions you have.